A Quickie with Laura Pearson

Tell me about your latest book and why we should read it?

My debut novel, Missing Pieces, is the story of the Sadler family and how they cope – or fail to – following the tragic death of three-year-old Phoebe. The first part takes place in the immediate aftermath, and the second part plays out twenty-five years later, when the impact of Phoebe’s loss is still being felt. It’s a bit of a heartbreaker, but I hope it’s healing, too.

If someone was to write your life story what would the title be?

For The Love Of Books

What’s the strangest fan question or request you’ve received?

I don’t have any fans, yet! Maybe one day. My local library somehow got the impression that I’m a children’s author and asked me to come in to do a talk for children. I said I didn’t think my novel about the death of a child was appropriate, so I’m going in to talk to adults instead. Does that count?

If you could co-write with anyone in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?

That’s tricky. I’d love to co-write with John Irving, just to see the magic in action. I think he’s a truly wonderful storyteller.

Tell me something nobody else knows about you (yet!).

This time two years ago, I was 35 weeks pregnant and I’d been induced and was waiting for my daughter to arrive. I had breast cancer and was really scared. I think I’ve come quite a long way in those two years (as has she!)

Finally please recommend 3 books that you have recently read and tell me why you’ve chosen these.

Love Will Tear Us Apart by Holly Seddon – I finished this last night and I miss the characters. I thought it was a beautiful exploration of a friendship and a marriage, and I can’t wait to see where she goes next with her writing.

Dead Girls by Abigail Tarttelin – This is not your average psychological thriller. It’s narrated by 11-year-old Thera, whose best friend Billie has been found murdered, and who keeps seeing Billie and a host of other dead girls and has taken it upon herself to get to the bottom of the case. It’s astonishing.

Home by Amanda Berriman – I feel like this book is crucially important in these times we’re living through. It tells the story of one family who are living in poverty and is narrated so wonderfully by four-year-old Jesika that I felt it made me understand my own four-year-old a little better. It broke my heart and it lifted it, too.

Who is Laura Pearson? Laura Pearson lives in Leicestershire with her husband and their two children. Missing Pieces is her first novel.

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